Alabama's largest police force grows by 32 (photos)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Birmingham Police Department on Friday added 32 new police officers to the state's largest force.

Chief A.C. Roper administered the oath to Class 97-129, which completed 20 weeks of training in just 17 weeks because the chief wanted them on the streets before Christmas. "Make a decision today and choose to be an officer we can all be proud of,'' Roper told the men and women.

Officials said the 32 graduates were among 200 initial applicants. The class started out with 42, but ended up with 10 less by Graduation Day. They will now spend 16 weeks with a Field Training Officer before going out on their own.

Four of the graduates Friday are sons of police officers, and two of the graduates were identical twin brothers. Jarvis Patton, chief of operations for Mayor William Bell, had this to say to all of the graduates: "You are ordinary people who we expect extraordinary things from."

The ceremony was held at 11 a.m. in the East Ballroom of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Joyce Vance, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, was the keynote speaker.

"Today, you all become heroes,'' Vance told the new officers. "The way you hold yourself and the way you behave will hold a tremendous amount of influence on the people around you."

Vance challenged the officers to keep an open mind in today's diverse community. "Accept people who you don't know today,'' she said. "Take them on as your responsibility as police officers."

Four of the graduates were recognized with awards. Officer La'Kenya Lowe was awarded the Academic Award and the Physical Fitness Award; Officer Joshua Ragsdale was given the Defensive Driving Award, and Officer Billy Swicegood received the Firearms Award. Officer Mark Mehringer was given the In Their Spirit Award, an award given in the memory of fallen officers to a graduate who best exemplifies a police officer.

Also at Friday's ceremony, 25-year-vetern Officer Robert Abrams was given the Director's Award. Abrams is a firearms instructor, and has helped to train more than 800 officers.

In closing, Roper reminded them of the roles they now assume. "You represent every member of this agency but it goes even further,'' the chief said. "You represent every member of law enforcement. We're counting on you."